More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)

Earl's Court

(London SW5)District taking its name from the court held here in the middle ages by the earls of Warwick and Holland, who were lords of the manor. It is best known now for the great exhibition hall, opened in 1937, where events such as the *Ideal Home Exhibition and the *Royal Tournament are held. The midwinter event at Earl's Court is the Boat Show, held in early January every year since 1960 (with many of the craft afloat). The event had previously been at Olympia, from January 1955; before that, from 1921, boats had been a minor feature of each *Motor Show.